Automotive Dealer Training
There are numerous training activities both available and required for dealer owners and dealer personnel. New-car dealers have to follow manufacturer training procedures, which are updated often. Automotive dealers and personnel may seek out training on their own, attending seminars or other optional outside training activities.
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Training Period
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Training periods for each dealer department and position differ across the board. For new salespeople or office staff, training is usually quick, depending on the person's learning speed and abilities. Initial and entry-level dealer training also differs by levels of expertise or position. One thing is certain, however: Automobiles and technology are constantly changing. Therefore, training is consistent and ongoing for everyone at a dealership even after initial entry-level training.
Significance
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Dealers must consistently keep up with the competition, auto news, industry changes, business practices and new products. For this reason, training is essential to a dealer's success. New-car dealers are always debuting new products or implementing changes to product information or procedures. To maintain business and keep customers satisfied, all employees in an automotive dealership must be up to date and knowledgeable in all areas of the industry; training helps accomplish this.
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Methods
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Internet training methods certify and educate employees in the sales and service department. Many workers attend outside events, such as seminars, manufacturer events or outside manufacturer schooling for technicians. Bank representatives, or reps from other places of business that the dealer deals directly with, will often come to the dealership to train dealer personnel. Trainees will "shadow" and learn from more experienced staff when first starting out.
Training Pay
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Pay varies for each department and level of experience within the dealership. Salespeople are either paid minimum wage or a minimal salary while training; any time away from the dealership showroom costs salespeople their commission. Management employees are paid a salary in addition to bonuses based on the production of the salespeople, including the service advisers. Mechanics who are paid a flat rate are substituted a sick day while away for required training. Office workers are paid hourly and don't lose pay during training.
Skills
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Dealerships require that staff working with the public have excellent customer service skills, sales ability and the ability to handle customer concerns. Desirable traits for a mechanic or technician, along with detailers and porters, are close attention to detail and a willingness to get the job done efficiently and correctly the first time. Service personnel who are certified with prior state licensing are desirable and may quickly move on to advanced training. Office personnel should have an ability to multitask during training, which will carry over to actual work within the dealership.
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References
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